The ultra-luxurious St. Regis boasts top-notch amenities, including a gorgeous spa, a huge free-form pool, an outstanding restaurant, and an exceptional golf course. The rooms are large and decorated with care -- exposed wood beams, big modern bathrooms, and large furnished terraces. It's pretty secluded, at the foot of El Yunque National Forest, which is a plus for some and a minus for others. Also, the beach is not the best in the region, but it's still pleasant and not crowded at all.

The grounds of this Waldorf Astoria resort are beautiful, with spectacular fountains and foliage, but sprawling -- so bring your walking shoes. Big rooms have light, airy color schemes, large balconies, and stunning views of the hotel's lush grounds. Each of the 234 rooms is conveniently stocked with free coffee and water, and some even have up-to-date kitchenettes, which provide an alternative to the pricey on-site restaurants. The nearby beach is only accessible by ferry, but large, well-maintained pools come with views of the ocean, and the neighboring El Conquistador Resort's Coqui Water Park, with multiple slides and lazy rivers, is a great option for the family.

Situated on the small island of Vieques, this hotel has the modern, funky feel of the W brand with a tropical twist -- it's right on it's own private beach, the lobby and rooms feature bright colors and concrete floors, and the infinity pool overlooking the ocean has a pool bar serving up poolside drinks and meals. A couples-friendly hotel, the W has a nice spa and rooms with sexy open bathrooms. "Free" perks such as an airport lounge and in-room Wi-Fi seem great -- until you get your bill laden with hefty daily resort fees.

Marriott’s top-tier hotel in the capital of San Juan offers 416 rooms and suites and is an easy five-minute drive from the airport along Isla Verde beach. Rooms are contemporary and upscale if a tad generic, and and most are without balconies. Most guests spend their time on the sand, or at the lively outdoor pool where attentive service is a focus. Just watch out for the super-pricey cocktails. In the evenings, the lobby bar is the place for small plates and pre-dinner cocktails before dressed-up guests (and some locals) make their way to their reserved tables at on-site restaurants BLT Steak and Il Mulino. The hotel attracts a mix of post-cruise goers, conference attendees, and leisure guests on long weekend getaways. Wi-Fi, tennis, and a fitness center is free, unless you count the 18 percent luxury resort fee added to the bill.

This see-it-to-believe-it romantic retreat is perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is spread out over a whopping 426 acres in northwestern Puerto Rico, and there are just 20 casitas, so guests may feel as if they have the land to themselves -- especially in the evenings underneath the bright stars and moon (don't miss a dip in the 24-hour saltwater pool). Guests can start the day with a hike down to the beach at sunrise and then play a challenging round of golf on the best course on the island. There are plenty of other activities on the premises, or guests can simply enjoy the casita's scenic patio and private plunge pool in absolute serenity. The hotel is working on a massive 10-year expansion project (away from the casitas) and construction annoyances will be kept to a minimum. With the outstanding dining program, there's no real reason to leave. Wi-Fi is free.

This contemporary, homey property in residential San Juan is ideal for travelers who don’t mind being removed from the touristy shoreline, though a free beach shuttle is provided. Spacious units range from Studios with kitchenettes to Three-Bedroom Suites with stainless steel kitchens, dining areas, and laundry facilities. In addition to the free breakfast served daily in the SP Lounge, the hotel has a rooftop bar and small infinity pool overlooking San Juan. Ikea-style decor is bright and airy, and business travelers will find plenty of space to pull out the laptop. Weekly food and drink events keep things sociable.

The 589 rooms at the Condado Plaza Hilton are inviting and bright, decorated in blues and greens or brilliant reds, and featuring plenty of space. The drawbacks are that the bathrooms are tight and views fluctuate drastically: Some are breathtaking vistas of pristine ocean, others are of nothing more than abandoned hotels and decrepit buildings. There are two decent pools, but the property's small beach fronts a lagoon-like inlet rather than the open ocean. If you're looking for waves, head to Isla Verde (or the hip pool scene at the nearby La Concha) instead.

The massive, 600-room Rio Mar Beach Resort has sprawling grounds and a wide array of activities and features (including two championship golf courses) -- although a rental car will be necessary for guests planning on venturing off of the resort's premises. With three pools -- a kiddy pool, an adults pool, and the main shared pool -- as well as a big beach on-site, it's a great option for families. As at many other beach resorts, humidity can be an issue, and the resort could use new carpets (especially in the hallways). Rooms are clean, large, and have great views, but are short on local charm. Guests should also be prepared for nickel-and-diming -- just about everything costs extra, from the mini-fridge rentals to the parking to the Wi-Fi.

This big, reliable (and yes, predictable) Sheraton hotel across from Puerto Rico’s Convention Center opened in 2009 as the prototype for the revitalized Starwood brand, and offers 503 modern rooms. Rooms have tub/shower combos, modern amenities, and well-lit work desks; extensive event space includes the largest ballroom in San Juan. A handful of restaurants and bars are available and there are even fewer noteworthy options within walking distance — though it doesn’t take long to taxi to Old San Juan or Condado for more choices (or the beach). It's geared toward business travelers, but those with free time can hit the fourth-floor infinity pool and sun deck with views of the bay. Guests of the Sheraton Club Rooms get access to free breakfast and snacks in the Club Lounge. Wi-Fi is free but parking comes with a daily fee.

The large, 910-room Hilton Caribe mega-resort has a secluded, private man-made beachfront, over 17 acres of tropical gardens, a bird sanctuary, and even the historic Fuerte San Geronimo de Boqueron is on-site (which guests can look at, but not enter). Its peninsula location makes for excellent ocean views, and the large oceanfront pool complex is impressive for the area, with two tiers and a swim-up bar. Rooms are standard Hilton fare, with flat-screen TVs, green accent walls, soft sheets and average bathrooms. However, guests should be aware that the hotel is a popular pre-cruise destination, and at times can be overrun with large crowds of families with children.